Which .44 Magnum would you buy

Buzzsaw

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OK, you are going today to buy a new (with lock) .44 Magnum. Any brand is up for consideration, price Under $1K ?
 
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As I already have 3 Smiths in 44 magnum , I probably would take a look at a Marlin lever gun in 44 magnum . Regards, Paul

The new Marlins do look pretty nice, and are on my short list as well.

However, for a revolver S&W still makes the highest quality product in thebmarket in my opinion. I have a 629-6 5" that's just about as perfect as can be. It, along with my 620, have the best factory double action triggers I have used. That is in reference to my personal collection that includes several S&W's from the 1950's through the 70's.
 
I'd buy the Mdl 69 with a 4-1/4" bbl. I love mine and find it much easier to shoot than either my 4" standard bbl'd 629-5 or my 4" 629-4 Mtn Gun. I have Hogue X frame grips on all now and still prefer to shoot the Mdl 69.
I recently took in another Mdl 69 with a 4-1/4" bbl in a trade, and would like to trade it for a Mdl 69 in 2-1/2".
 
I'll second the Model 69, but you are asking on an S&W forum. Already have a 4" 629, so I went with the 2-3/4" 69. I like it so much I'm considering getting the 4-1/4" version. It just feels well balanced and is more accurate than I am. And I also have the Hogue X frame grips on mine.
 
I have a M29 mtn gun from about 2014-15 that is accurate and smooth...wasnt disappointed...care less about the lock-I got over that...just under a $1000 back then....not sure if they offer them now but can find them...
 
If I was going to carry it a lot hunting, fishing camping hiking etc. A mdl
69.

If for just hunting, some target shooting or steel shooting, I would go with a 6" 629.

I would not get a 329. Just to light a package for full house 44 mags.

It would be a S&W. Some others make decent guns, but why not go with the best?
 
I've had heavy Rugers and it just feels like quality with Smith and Wesson's . I had 2 7.5" Redhawks and broke one and sold the replacement after shooting it a bit. Then I went with a 6.5" full lug 629. Its great. It's just kinda heavy for me. (I have a really bad back). Then I got a 6". That's the sweet spot. Muzzle flip more pronounced but controllable than a 6.5"or a 7.5".
I'm really accurate with it and I'm actually now shooting it again(I put my guns on a rotation and sometimes takes me months to get back to things, for example I haven't shot 45s in 8 months[emoji31])
6" 629!

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I don't like anyone's new revolvers, especially stainless. Still if
I had to buy a new one in would be S&W. To shoot it would be
a 6" model. The only other choice is Ruger. Not bad guns but they
are heavy and just aren't as smooth as S&W. I know you could
get one and have it tuned up but by same token you could have
the S&W tuned. I don't think the Ruger could "catch up". I don't
consider imports at all.
 
The one I bought is the 6" 629 , without the full underlug.
My thought was to get the 6" with out all the extra weight. It proved to be very balanced for me and glad I went with that model. Next up is a 4" one
 
OK, you are going today to buy a new (with lock) .44 Magnum. Any brand is up for consideration, price Under $1K ?
You don't say what it's for, but I would buy a 4" 29 or 629 without the lock, used, unless you're absolutely sure that you will always be able to live with a 5" or 6" or 6.5" barrel. I have two .45 ACP guns that were sold with locks, and I fixed that to my satisfaction, but I don't recommend that route to someone who can simply avoid the problem.

I see no need to buy a new revolver when perfectly good used ones are still available, probably at reasonable prices.
 
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If any brand is ok, I would buy a Ruger Super Blackhawk. You have choices on barrel lengths and steel. My personal choice would be the 7.5' black steel, but then again I am not a stainless fan,(even though I carry a 649-2), nor do I like the lock.
 
I started with a 10.5" Ruger SBH. Great gun and the barrel handled the recoil well. Because it drew like a frigging Scottish Claymore, I traded it for a 4-5/8 model. More muzzle blast and recoil but much better to carry and shoot overall. If I had to choose a double action I would probably choose a 4-6" barrel stainless model. I prefer 6 shots so it'd be a 629.
 
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